Universal joint



March 15; 1921.

F. w. PETERS UNIVERSAL JOINT Filed May l, 1924 2 Sheets-Sheet l 15 1927. Maeh F. w. PETERS UNIVERSAL JOINT 2 Shets-Sheet 2 Filed May 1, l1924.

Patented Mar. l5, 1927..

FREDERICK W. PETERS, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO, ASSIGNOR TO SPICER MANUFACTUR- ING CORPORATION, VIRGINIA.

OF SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NEW" .JERSEL A CORPORATION OF UNIVERSAL JOINT.

Application led May 1, 1924. Serial No. 710.207.

This invention relates to universal joints, and more particularly to joints of the .character wherein the trunmons are mounted in and connected by a member in the shape ot'A taken at right angles to Fig. 1.; Fig. e a detail 1n perspective'of one of the cross pms; Fig. 4 a central sectional view through the ring, showing the pins and trunnions in elevation; Fig. 5 a sectional view through the connecting ring; Fig. 6 a detail in elevation of said connecting ring; and Figs. 7 and 8 are details in plan and section, respectively, of the spring washer which surrounds eac-li trunnion. f

Describing the various parts by reference characters, 1 and 2 denote hubs, connected respectively with the driving and the driven shaft sections (not shown). The hubs are provided each with a yoke 3 each'having mounted therein a cross pin 4l, the outer ends of each cross pin constituting trunnions 5. Each cross pin is provided with a central j recess' of slightly 1 greater depth than the radius of such pin, each recess being about 210 degrees in angular extent. The Vtrunnions are adapted to be mounted in bearing blocks carried by and mounted. within a connecting member in the form of a ring, the ring being indicated generally at A. The ring is preferably made from a drop forging and is provided with a. cylindrical Wall 7, annular side walls 8, 8, and a segmental inner wall 9. For strengthening purposes, the ring may be provided with a central circumferential rib 7a.

:Formed in the ring thus providedfare transversely extending seats B andy B tor the bearing blocks. The Vseats B are arranged diametricallyfopposite each other and the seats B are also arranged diametrically opposite each othery but'are spaced each, l90

degrees from a seat B. The seats B extend through one of the side walls 8 toward but not including the'other side wall 8a of the ring; and the block-receiving Walls 10 of such seats are each a section of a cylinder' having a circumferential extent in excess of 180 degrees, whereby the seats prevent Y radial inward movement of the bearing blocks which are adapted to fit therewithin. The seats B are constructed identically like the seats B, except that they extend inwardly from the opposite side 8a of the ring;

that is, through the side wall 8a toward, but

not including, the side Wall 8.

It will be noted that the -space between the outer wall 7 and the segmental inner wall 9 isdivided into a plurality of chambers C, said chambers being separated from'each other by means of the side walls of the Vseats j B and B and by the bearingblocksin'serted within such seats., Each chamber C is. adapted to communicate with the interior of the adjacent seats B, B by means of large openings 11 formed in the walls of said seats, l

thereby to lubricate. the outer surfaces of the bearing blocks." The chambers C' areenabled to Ycommunicate with each other and to provide for the circulation of lubricant by centrifugalaction, by means of ports 12, formed v in the outer portions of the seats B, B, said ports and ports beyond the trunnions torining passages connecting adjacent chambers C and located adjacent to the inner facept the Wall 7. The ports 1,2.merge at their inner ends with the openings 11. (SeefFigs. l and 5.) For the purpose of supplying the chambers with lubricant, one of such chame.

bers is provided with a filling plug13ff` l Cooperating with the seats B, B are the bearing blocks, lwhich are. indicatedjgenerally at D and D, the blocksA D fitting within the seats B and the blocks D Within. the seats B. Each block is of suchvshape in cross section as to enable it to t snugly within its appropriate seat and each is provided with an external wall 14 of the same shape asthe wall :10, with the exception that the cylindrical bore 15 in each block is extended through the outer surface. thereof..

nach of the blocken-,13' is 'provided ,aah

a flange 16, 16a, respectively, which'langes are adapted to engage the walls8, 8a, respectively; and each block D, D is also provided at its opposite end with a threadefdstud adj acent thereto. j to align the pins and the bearing blocks while 18, 18El respectively', which is adapted to extend through an opening in the wall 8 or 8a, the blocks being` drawn to their seats by means of nuts 19 on such studs. Between theinner end of each` block and the inner ytace ot the wall 8 or 8a is inserted a gasket 20 surrounding a stud 18 or 18a.

The bearing blocks D are identical with the bearing blocks D, being inserted in the ring in the opposite direction from the blocks D. Between each bearing block and the adj acent' shoulder 3 on the adjacent yoke, and surrounding each trunnion, is a washer 21 of spring metal, each washer normally having its outer edge 21a in a diferent plane from its inner edge 21b and being pro vided with a projection 22 adapted to enter a vertical groove 23 1formed in the adjacent outer wall ot' the trunnion. It will be evident that, when the parts are assembled', the

-inner and outer edges of each washer will be forced into approximately the same plane, Jforming a tight joint between the inner Vtace of eac-h bearingbl'ock and the shoulder S The projections 22 serve preventing the passage of lubricant inwardly beyondl such project-ions and their respective washers.. j

Each bearing block is provided with a port 24 adapted to register with the ports 12 and form therewith a continuous'passage extending across the end oi each trunnion and between the same andV the'iinner l face of the wall 7 and connecting adjacent chambers C. The ports 12 and 2li communicater with a central chamber-25 formed within the outer portion of each trunnion, from which chamber ports 26 extend to the seat provided for each trunnion within its bearing block. It should be noted that the ports 26 extend at'right angles to the plane of rotation of the ring, which enables the lubricant to be discharged freely through such ports, between the trunnions and their bearing blocks, as no driving thrust is exertedon the sides of the trunnions which carry the ports, thereby tointerfere with such distribution. By the construction ot the lubricating parts, th-e bearing blocks will Y be efectively lubricated by the ports or 'openings 11 andthe spaces between the trunni'ons and `their seats will be likewise etfectively lubricated by the passages 12 and 241 vand the chambers 25 and ports 26 andv 2?),

lith the parts constructed and arranged as described, one of the hubs, with its trun- .nions and bearing blocks and with the thrust blocks appliedl to such trunnions can be readily applied to the ring by a lateral movement, inserting the bearing blocks into their appropriate seats with the washers 21 and packing rings 20` in place, `then setting up the nuts 19 to draw the blocks to their seats. The opposite hub, with its trunnions and bearing blocks, can be applied in like manner to the ring but' from the opposite side thereof. The recessing ot the central portions oit the cross pins 6 enables them to be assembled, with their bearing blocks, by a movement of either hub toward the other, and to be assembled with the axes of the trunnions in the same plane; and the angular extent of the recesses accommodates the relative movement of the hubs and pins.

As the joint rotates, the lubricant ist'orced outwardly in each chamber C by centrifugal action as well as in the direction oi the rotation of th-e joint, with the result that there is a pressure exerted by the lubricant on one side of the outer portion of each block D, D', with a partial vacuum on the outer portion ot thev opposite side of each such block. Because of' this action andthe arrangement of the chambers 25, grooves 23 and ports 26, lubricant will always be interposed between each trunnion 5 and the surroundingy portion of its bearing block, provided only that some lubricant is presentA in th-e chambers C. Furthermore by having the grooves 23 intersect each a port 26, a corresponding saving` in the bearing surface of each trunnion is obtained.

By the construction shown and described herein, a universal joint of" the character described may be produced in an extremely convenient and economical manner; the parts comprising the joint may be conveniently assembled and disassembled; .and a lubricating joint will be produced from such assembly which will be eiiicient in operation` and capable of long and extensive use, and which will ensure the presence oflubricant around the entirebearing surface ot each trunnion, irrespective of variations inthe amount of lubricant in the chambers oi the ring.

Having thus described my what I claim is 1. In a universal joint, the combination, with a driving and a driven member and trunnions carried thereby, oi a connecting ring having seats for said trunnions and lubricant chambers between said seats, adjacent chambers communicating by passages extending through said seats beyoml the ends of the trunnions, each trunnion having a bore in the outer end thereot and provided with one or more ports extending laterally -from the bore adjacenttheV bottom invention,

thereof to the seat in which said trunnion ien wardly from its outer -endand provided with one or more ports extending laterally from said bore adjacent the bottom thereof to the seat in which the trunnion is mounted, and a washer surrounding each trunnion between such lateral port or ports and the central portion of the joint, th-e driving and driven members being provided with shoul- -ders cooperatingwith said washers.

3. In a universal joint, the combination with a driving and a driven member, each bore extending inwardly from the outer end thereof and being provided with one or more ports near the bottom of said bore extending at an angle with respect to the vplane of rotation of said ring and communicating with said bore and with the seat surrounding such trunnion.

4. In a universal joint, the combination with a driving and a driven member, each having a yoke and each yoke being provided with bearing faces'or shoulders at its oi'iter ends, of cross pins mounted in said yokes and having trunnions, a connecting ring havingrseats for said trunnions and chambers for lubricant interposed between said seats, adjacent chamberscommunicating by means of passages extending across the outer ends of the trunnions, a washer surrounding each trunnion and interposed between the adjacent shoulder and the seat for said trimnion, each trunnion having a bore extending inwardly from the outer end thereof and being provided with one or lmore ports extending at an angle with respect to the plane of rotation of said ring and communicating with said bore and with the seat surrounding such trunnion, and each trunnion having also a groove extending inwardly from the outer end thereof with which the outer end of one of such ports communicates, and each lwasher having a projection fitting within such groove, inwardly of such port.

5. In a universal joint, the combination, with a driving and a driven member and trunnions carried thereby, of a connecting ring having seats for said trunnions, the said ring having lubricant chambers interposed vbetween the said seats, adjacent chambers communicating with each other by means of passages extending beyond the ends of the trunnions, and each trunnion having a bore extending inwardly from the outer end thereof and provided with a port communicating with .such bore and with theV seat for the trunnion, the said port extending substantially at right .angles to the plane lof rotation of the said ringfV 6. In a universal joint, thetcombination, with aV driving and a'driven member and trunnions carried thereby, there being a shoulder surrounding the inner end of each trunnion, of a connecting ring having seats for said trunnions and provided between such seats with chambers. for lubricant, ad-V jacent lubricantv chambers communicating with each other by passages extending be-V yond the ends of the trunnions and each trunnion having a bore extending inwardly from the outer end thereof and provided with a port communicating with such bore at one end and having its other end communicating with a port provided between the outer wall ofthe trunnion and the seat therefor and extendinginwardly from the oiiter end of the trunnion, and a lwasher surrounding each trunnion and interposed between the seat t-herefor and the shoulder for such trunnion, the firstm'entioned port extending at substantially right.. angles to the plane of rotation of said ring,`each bearing block seat having ports or openings communicating withisaid chambers on opposite sides thereof. a A ,n

7. In a universal joint, the combination,

with a driving and a driven member and trunnions carried thereby, there 'being a shoulder surrounding each trunnion, of .a connecting ring havingseats for saidtrun- Vnions and provided between such seatswith chambers for lubricant, adjacent `lubricant chambers communicating with each other by'passages extendingV beyond the ends of the trunnions and each trunnionhaving a bore extending inwardly from the outer end thereof and provided. with a port communicating with said bore and having its outer end communicating with a vportV formed Ain the outer face of the trunnion and extending inwardly from the outer end thereof, the first mentioned port extending at substantially right angles to the plane of rotation of said ring, and a washer surrounding each trunnion and interposed between the shoulder and the seat therefor, the said washer having a projection fitting within the port formed Within the outer wall of the trunnion. y

8. In a universal joint, the combination, with a driving and a driven member and trunnions cai'ried thereby, of a connecting ring having seats, bearing blocks for said trunnions mounted in said seats, and lubricant chambers between said seats, adjacentchambers communicating by passagesextending beyond the ends ofthe trunnions, and each trunnion having a bore extending inwardly from its outer end and providedl with: one or more portsA extending laterally from such bore to the inner face of the bearing block in which the trunnionV is mounted, and a washer surrounding each Y trunnion between such lateral port or ports `municating with the chambers on opposite sides of such block.

L In a universal joint, the combination with a drivingl and a driven member, cach having a'yoke vand each yoke being provided with bearing faces or shoulders at its outerV ends, of cross pins mounted in. said yokes and having trunnions, a connecting ring havingV seats, bearing blocks for said trunnions mounted in saidI seats and chambers. for lubricant interposed between said seats, adjacent chambers communicating by means of passages extending across the outer ends of the trunnions., a washer surrounding each trunnion and interposed between theadjacent shoulder and the seat for such trunnion, each trunnion having a bore extending inwardly from the outer end thereof and being provided with one or more ports extending at Y an angle with respect to the plane of rotation of said ring and? communicating with said bore and with the seat surrounding such trunnion in its bearing block, each trunnion having also a groove extending inwardly from the outer end thereof with which the outer end of one of such ports communicates, and each washer having a projection fitting within such groove and inwardly of such port, Vand each bearing-block seat having openings or ports in oppositesides thereof communicating with the chambers on opposite sid-es of such block.

10. In a universal joint, the combination, with a driving and a driven` member and trunnions carried thereby, of -a connecting ring having seats, bearing blocks for said trunnions in said seats, the said ring having lubricantchainbers interposed betweenr the said seats, adjacent chambers communicating with each other by means of passages extending beyond the ends of the trunnions, and each tri-innion having a bore extending inwardly from the outer end thereofV and provided with a port communicating with such bore and with the seat for the trunnion in its bearing block, and each bearing-block seat having openings connnunicating with the chambers on opposite sides thereof.

l1. In a universal joint, the combination, with a driving and a drivenA member each having a trunnion, there being a shoulder surrounding the inner portion of each trunnion, of a hollow lubricant-containing ring having seats provided. each with a radial opening for a trunnion, each trunnion having in its outer face a groove extending inwardly from the outer' end thereof, and a spring washer surrounding each trunnion and normally having one edge thereof in a different plane from the other edge where'- by, when assembled between the shoulder surrounding the trunnion and the seat for thetrunnion, one edge of the washer will be forced into engagement with the seat and the opposite edge into engagement with the shoulder, the said washers each having a projection at its inner edge adapted to enter the said groove.

In testimony whereof, I hereunto aliX my signature. Y

FREDERICK VST. PETERS. 

